Each spring, 256 college players anxiously wait to hear their name called by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. This year, there are several Pac-12 players who potentially could be drafted high in this year’s NFL Draft. Below are statistics and expert opinions on where these players may be taken in this year’s NFL Draft.

Marcus Mariota, QB, University of Oregon

Fast. Smart. Mature. Confident. These are several of many words that have been used to describe former University of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. After a very strong junior season, throwing for 4,454 yards, 42 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions, Mariota was awarded the most prestigious award in college football: the Heisman Trophy. According to multiple NFL Draft experts at NFL.com, Mariota could be taken anywhere from #1 to #18 in the first round of the draft.

Leonard Williams, DE, USC

A player who is expected by many to go in the top 5 picks in the first round, Leonard Williams is a strong and explosive player off the line. He was a first team All-Pac-12 player at USC. During Williams’ 2014 season, he recorded 80 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception and forced three fumbles. According to 4 of 6 NFL.com draft experts, they believe that Williams will be taken number 2 overall.

Arik Armstead, DT, University of Oregon

Arik Armstead is a huge player, standing at 6’7”, and weighing 292 pounds, with the frame to add more bulk to his already large body. Over his 2014 season, he totaled 46 tackles, 16 quarterback pressures, 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for losses. He started 13 of 15 games in 2014, missing 2 games due to an ankle injury. On NFL.com, most experts have Armstead being chosen around the 15th pick, but could slide lower due to teams not directly needing a defensive tackle.

Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

A wide receiver who hauled in 82 passes for 1,165 yards and 10 touchdowns, Jaelen Strong is viewed at NFL.com as a first or second round pick. A first team All-Pac-12 player and a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist (nation’s best wide receiver), Strong is a smart and capable wide receiver, able to adjust routes and bring in contested passes. He played at Arizona State for two years, playing in 26 of 28 games, after transferring from Pierce College.

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While the Pac-12 this year is not producing a large abundance of players, these are a few solid players who have the ability to succeed at the NFL level. There are also other big names in this years draft, not only in the Pac-12, but throughout all of college football. Some of these players include Florida State QB Jameis Winston, Georgia RB Todd Gurley, Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon, Alabama WR Amari Cooper, Florida OLB Dante Fowler Jr., and LSU OT La’el Collins. The 2015 NFL Draft will be held from April 30-May 2 at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago, Illinois.

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Any thoughts or predictions? Leave them in the comment section below!